The 22 year-old, who was born in Brazil but hopes to represent Italy at international level, has been one of the star performers in Verona’s surprise start to the season.

The São Paulo-native has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for the Gialloblu and as such has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Milan.

Reports earlier this week suggested a further club, Napoli, had make enquires and now Benítez has admitted he would like to add the play-maker to his squad.

"Jorginho is a player we have been following for a long time,” he told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“I have full confidence in the work of our sporting director Riccardo Bigon. He has always done well and we are working together at 100 per cent. We did some good things in the transfer market last summer.

“Of course, we would prefer to sign Italian players in the transfer market as the adaptation period is easier. We are looking but it is not always easy to get the best Italian players to join Napoli.”